This basic-level workshop gives participants hands-on experience capturing footage using green screens, and an introduction to the tools and methods to get the most of this visual effects technique.

Using USM’s well-equipped studio and 16-workstation media lab, the workshop will include:

What is Green Screen? Working in the green screen studio, participants will learn best practices for lighting and blocking for green screen, how to use props and how to pre-visualize the composite scene. In small groups (production companies), participants will then shoot a short green screen sequence.

After Effects Overview: Participants will receive a tour of the After Effects interface and the unique capabilities it has for working with green screens.

Special Effects Pre-production: Working again their production companies, participants will be given a special effects problem that will need to be solved. Each group will then develop a short script, storyboard, and production plan.

Green Screen Production: Working in the green screen studio, students will learn best practices for lighting and blocking for green screen, how to use props and how to pre-visualize the composite scene. The production companies will then shoot a short green screen sequence.

Compositing the Green Screen: Participants will learn the best way to cut a key and how to work with color correction and lighting to create a realistic green screen.

Finally, each production company will create a composite using After Effects multi-planing with cameras and lighting.

Those registering to participate in this workshop should have a familiarity with MAC OS.

Geoffrey Leighton has worked with After Effects since 1995 and has served as a Beta test site for their software development. He has taught numerous workshops on behalf of Adobe at conferences and conventions and is an active member of the After Effects Group in Boston. He also has worked with Photoshop since 1994 and has taught or assisted in teaching numerous workshops for Apple and Adobe. In 2011, Leighton won three Broderson Awards for Maine Roller Derby commercials done with green screen and After Effects. Some of the clients that I am working for are: L.L. Bean, Apple Computers, City of Boston, Central Maine Medical Center, Proctor and Gamble, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, ABC Sports, Wild Blueberry Association of North America, National Science foundation, Harcourt Brace Publishing.